Located between the Austrian border to the north and the Venetian plain to the south, the Dolomites (Dolomiti) are a pristine alpine playground, known as a paradise for rock climbers as well as a great destination for fit hikers. Vivid green meadows nestle against enormous limestone peaks, and intimate rifugi (mountain huts) welcome grateful hikers with satisfying strudel, steaming cappuccino and spectacular mountain vistas. The Italian Dolomites are culturally diverse, and we visit the famous alpine center of Cortina D'Ampezzo, the hub of the Italian speaking Alps, and the German-speaking Tyrolean village of Corvara, in the Ladin-speaking Alta Badia.
The Dolomites were named after Deodat de Dolomieu, a French geologist who discovered an unusual carbonate rock with foreign properties in 1789. “Dolomite” became the name of both the mineral as well as the mountain range in which it was found. Charming hotels and mountain huts make for comfortable “base camps” from which we venture out each day for an invigorating hike along rugged trails. On our day hikes, we explore the flora and fauna of this region, and admire some of its famous mountains, such as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Puez-Odle group, Sella massif, Marmolada, also called “the queen of the Dolomites”, the Fane and Tofane.

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Itinerary Outline

Day 1 • Cortina d'Ampezzo
Meet your guide at hotel in Cortina D’Ampezzo. Short briefing of the trip.

Day 2, 3 • Cortina d’Ampezzo – Rifugio Fanes
Spectacular hiking around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo with great views of their north faces. Through pristine conifer forests we reach Lago di Fianes. This whole area is  an “open air museum”, with tunnels, bunkers, and old barracks from WWI and plaques marking the Austrian 1916 front.
Our day is crowned with singing of Tyrolean music at a mountain inn.

Day 4, 5, 6, 7 • Rifugio Fanes - Corvara
We hike past small lakes, farmhouses, cascading streams and marmot burrows. Grazing pastures today replace what once was a strategic technical, medical and supply position for Austrians during WWI. We venture into the realm of the Cunturines, home to prehistoric cave bears. Panoramic views of the Fane peaks, Sella massif, Sasso della Croce and Val Badia.

Day 8 • Departure
After breakfast, transfer on your own to your next destination.